For the first time in its history, Jeep will offer a seven-seat model, and the Detroit division of Germany's DaimlerChrysler AG is hoping that the timing for its debut is even better than originally hoped.

(photo: 2006 Jeep Commander)

The 2006 Commander that will be arriving in dealerships later this year is not a traditional seven-seat SUV in the Chevrolet Suburban sense, but is instead a more compact model with a third row of two seats but very little room for the people sitting there or the cargo behind them.

While this means less functionality, it also means a smaller package that's easier to handle, park and keep in fuel than a Suburban or a Ford Expedition.

The compact seven-seater, if you will, seems to be catching on with consumers right now, probably at the expense of the full-size models.

To further appeal to modern consumers, Jeep will make two V-8s available in the Commander, including the current darling of engines -- a Hemi.

Jeep was able to do this by using the chassis of its Grand Cherokee model and adding two inches to its length and nearly four inches to its height.

As well as allowing for that third seat, the new dimensions also help deliver a boxy new look to the Commander that Jeep hopes will appeal to people.

Overall, says Jeff Bell, the vice-president of Jeep for the Chrysler Group, ''The 2006 Jeep Commander is significant for a number of reasons.''

(photo: 2006 Jeep Commander)

First off, says Bell, Commander ''signals our commitment to remain the leader in the sport-utility market, a market that Jeep invented more than 60 years ago. This is the first seven-passenger 4x4 that is Jeep Trail Rated.''

Second, Commander is the only SUV in its class to offer two V-8s.

Third, Bells says, ''Commander expands and strengthens what is already a stellar lineup, consisting of the TJ (the Wrangler in the U.S.), Liberty and Grand Cherokee.''

And fourth, the Commander ''initiates the expansion of the Jeep vehicle lineup that will take place during the second half of this decade.''

On top of all that, if consumers like the ''heritage'' exterior design of the Commander, it might become the new design DNA for the brand.

According to Bell, the Commander is a modern interpretation of the Willys Station Wagons (1946 to 1962), the Jeep Wagoneer (1963 to 1991) and especially the Jeep Cherokee (1984 to 2001). ''All were classically Jeep in appearance,'' he notes, ''with sharp lines, planar surfaces and rugged looks.''

(photo: 2006 Jeep Commander)

The Jeep Commander's upright windshield and rear end, as well as its more vertical body sides and side glass, embody the vehicle's classic Jeep styling. Even the side-view mirrors are blocky and stout. Overall, says Bell, ''Commander looks strong and confident because of its military bearing -- upright and rugged.

Because it's ''steeped in heritage Jeep design,'' says Bell, ''Commander looks familiar and new at the same time. This tension between past and present engages the emotions.''